Israeli ‘Wonder Woman’ Gal Gadot Receives Genesis Prize
Israeli actress Gal Gadot has been named the 2026 laureate of the Genesis Prize, recognized for her outspoken defense of Israel and humanitarian outreach during the Gaza war.
The award, often called the “Jewish Nobel,” honors individuals whose achievements and values reflect the Jewish commitment to humanity. In accepting the prize, Gadot said she would donate the $1 million award to groups helping Israelis recover from the trauma of two years of conflict.
“I am humbled to receive the Genesis Prize and to stand alongside the amazing laureates who came before me,” she said. “I am a proud Jew and a proud Israeli. I love my country and dedicate this award to the organizations that will help Israel heal and to those incredible people who serve on the front lines of compassion. Israel has endured unimaginable pain. Now we must begin to heal, to rebuild hearts, families, and communities.”
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Gadot, best known for the depiction of Wonder Woman, has remained a vocal supporter of Israel despite intense criticism from some in the film industry. Throughout the war, she advocated for the release of hostages held by Hamas, met with families of abductees, and helped organize a private Los Angeles screening of a film depicting the October 7 massacre.
Genesis Prize Foundation co-founder Stan Polovets praised her “moral clarity and unwavering love for Israel,” adding that her courage had come “at great personal and professional risk.”
Her public stance has not been without backlash. In recent months, several Hollywood figures signed petitions to boycott Israeli cinema and urged the Venice Film Festival to withdraw Gadot’s invitation. She did not attend the event, but the festival’s organizers declined to rescind it. Earlier this year, pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed near the Hollywood Walk of Fame as Gadot received her star.
Past laureates have directed their awards to causes such as combating antisemitism and advancing women’s rights. Gadot said her priority now is helping Israelis “rebuild hearts, families, and communities” after enduring one of the most painful chapters in the nation’s history.
